Working Holiday Residence Permit
IcelandIcelandEurope
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Working Holiday Residence Permit

Working Holiday

At a Glance

Processing Time

14-28 days

Application Fee

12,000 ISK

Stay Duration

12 months

Renewable

Varies

Job Offer

Not Required

Dependents

Not Specified

PR Pathway

No

This visa does not offer a direct route to permanent residency.

Remote Work

Not Required

Overview

Youth mobility program for young adults aged 18-30 from eligible countries. Allows work and travel for up to 24 months (max 12 months per permit). Available through bilateral agreements with Canada, UK, Australia, Japan, and other countries.

Iceland's Working Holiday Visa is a bilateral youth mobility program available to nationals of signatory countries. It allows young adults to combine work and travel for cultural exchange. Eligible countries include Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, Japan, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and others. The program can be used twice for a total of 24 months of stay.

Annual Visa Allocation

630 visas per year

Quota is distributed by bilateral agreement: Japan (30), South Korea (100), and United Kingdom (500).

No lottery system

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Requirements

Financial

Minimum Savings

239,895 EUR

Personal

Criminal Record Policy

case_by_case

Eligible Nationalities

This visa is available to citizens of: AU, JP

Documentation

Applicant Documents

Valid passport

From eligible country, at least 6 months validity

Age proof

Applicant must be 18-30 years old

Proof of funds

Sufficient for stay and return

Criminal background check

If requested

Optional

Health insurance

Recommended coverage for stay duration

Optional

Proof of accommodation

Temporary or confirmed arrangements

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Advantages

  • Work and travel flexibility
  • Can apply twice (24 months total)
  • Straightforward application
  • Cultural exchange opportunity
  • Gateway to other visa types

Considerations

  • Age-restricted (18-30)
  • Limited to eligible countries only
  • Designed as holiday, not career
  • Not a pathway to permanent residency
  • Only 24 months maximum

Application Process

1

Confirm eligibility

Check if your country has bilateral agreement with Iceland

2

Gather documents

Passport, proof of funds, accommodation proof

3

Complete application

Submit paper application to Directorate of Immigration

4

Pay fee

ISK 12,000

5

Receive permit

Working Holiday permit granted

Application Forms

Working Holiday Permit Application

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Working Holiday Residence Permit — Iceland | BorderProof